In Manarola - Marina Piccola (0187) - 920103 (0187) - 920966 fax Located right on the water - ask for one of the 2 rooms (with bath) over the restaurant with a view of the water

Ca dAndrean - Manarola (0187) 920040 (0187) 920452 fax

I recommend staying in the Cinque Terre if possible, not La Spezia. Once all the tourists leave in the late afternoon, it's much more enjoyable. We've stayed at both of the above hotels and recommend them - they are very small. The Ca a'Andrean is probably nicer, but I prefer Marina Piccola and it's location. Parking - you can drive into Manarola from La Spezia, but the parking lot for town is located on the edge of town and cars are not allowed in town. Except, early in the mornings you can drive to the Ca a'Andrean to pick up you bags, but there is no access except walking to Marina Piccola.

Tuscany - exactly when and where? There is an absolutely gorgeous new agriturismo located next door - next hill over in Tuscany - to our house - we are in Montefollonico - between Pienza and Montepulciano. The rooms and grounds are gorgeous, the view is spectacular and the family who runs it are dear people. They have 2 regular rooms and 2 apartments and should have two more rooms completed by September. I've reserved the entire agriturismo to accomodate people for cooking classes we are having Oct 8-15, but I would imagine you could get reservations there before or after those dates. The price is 200,000 Lire per day or 1,200,000 per week - it's a bargain. Also, in Sinalunga, we have some friends who have converted part of their country villa into 3 spectacular apartments - two one-bedroom apts and one two-apt. It's higher in price - I think 2,000,000 Lire for the week - but most of their guest now are ones who have stayed there before and return year after year. If you want info on them, let me know. Bill Sutherland